🇫🇷 Hand-drawn in Bordeaux, France  ·  Gifts printed in the USA 🇺🇸  ·  Signed originals shipped from France 🖼️ ✉️ Contact
✏️ HYPERREALIST DRAWING

Realistic Portraits

Hyper-realistic drawings in graphite, ink & charcoal — capturing every shadow, every gaze. By Sébastien Rieu, portraitist based in Bordeaux, France.

✏️ ORDER YOUR PORTRAIT — FROM $50

Stars Drawn in Graphite & Ink

These portraits showcase Sébastien’s mastery of realistic drawing — each one a meticulous study of light, shadow, and character. The same technique applied to your photo, your loved one, your pet.

Realistic portrait Natalie Portman by Sébastien Rieu

NATALIE PORTMAN

Oscar winner · Black Swan

Realistic portrait Angie Everheart by Sébastien Rieu

ANGIE EVERHEART

Supermodel · 1990s icon

Realistic portrait Liz Hurley by Sébastien Rieu

LIZ HURLEY

Austin Powers · British icon

Second portrait Liz Hurley by Sébastien Rieu

LIZ HURLEY II

Pencil portrait · 2nd study

Realistic portrait Jessica Alba by Sébastien Rieu

JESSICA ALBA

Dark Angel · The Honest Co.

Realistic portrait Naomi Campbell by Sébastien Rieu

NAOMI CAMPBELL

Graphite portrait · Supermodel

Realistic portrait Elisha Cuthbert by Sébastien Rieu

ELISHA CUTHBERT

24 · Canadian actress

Realistic portrait Denise Richards by Sébastien Rieu

DENISE RICHARDS

Bond girl · 1990s actress

YOUR PORTRAIT. DRAWN BY HAND. ✏️

Send your best photo — Sébastien returns a stunning graphite or ink portrait within 5–7 days. Perfect as a gift or a treasured keepsake.

ORDER YOUR PORTRAIT — FROM $50

Three Ways to Draw You

✏️ GRAPHITE PENCIL

Deep blacks, infinite gradients of grey. A timeless, elegant result that photographs beautifully. Delivered on A4 or A3 art paper.

🖋 INDIA INK

Bold, graphic, modern. Ink wash (lavis) creates dramatic contrasts with a contemporary feel — great for editorial-style portraits.

🎨 WATERCOLOR

Add a touch of color to your graphite portrait. Soft, dreamy washes of pigment over pencil lines — romantic and unique.

All works are fixed with professional art fixative · Certificate of authenticity included with each original.

Realistic Portrait — Techniques & Prices

TechniqueDescriptionStarting Price
Graphite pencilHyperrealistic B&W portraitFrom $50 (digital)
India inkBold, high-contrast realistic portraitFrom $50 (digital)
WatercolourSoft, colourful realistic portraitFrom $60 (digital)

Frequently Asked Questions — Realistic Portrait Commission

What techniques does Sébastien use for realistic portraits?

Sébastien creates hyperrealistic portraits in graphite pencil, India ink and watercolour. Each technique produces a different aesthetic: pencil gives a classic, timeless feel; ink creates bold high-contrast images; watercolour adds soft, luminous colour. You can choose the technique that best fits your vision.

How is a realistic portrait different from a caricature?

A caricature exaggerates physical traits for humour and personality. A realistic portrait faithfully captures the subject’s features, expression and likeness with precision. It’s closer to a photograph in artistic form — ideal for emotional gifts, memorials or formal display.

Can I commission a realistic memorial portrait from a photo of a deceased person?

Yes. Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful commissions Sébastien receives. Working from the best available photo, he creates a faithful, beautiful portrait of your loved one — human or pet. Many families frame these as permanent tributes.

What quality of photo do I need to submit for a realistic portrait?

For a hyperrealistic portrait, photo quality matters more than for a caricature. Send the highest resolution photo available, ideally well-lit and sharp with the face clearly visible. Sébastien will advise if he needs additional reference material.

Can a realistic portrait be printed as a large-format canvas?

Absolutely. Once completed, the high-resolution digital file can be printed at any size. Many customers order a large-format canvas print through the shop. It arrives ready to hang and makes a spectacular and personal statement piece for any room.

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